To all my family and friends who are far away: Here's an open window into my life so you can see what I have been up to!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Quick, out to the yard before the rain starts again...

If April showers bring May flowers, what do all these May downpours bring?  It seems like there is a moment of sunshine, I run out and dump the water off of my lawn chairs, look around momentarily for the sun, and then it starts sprinkling again.  A few hours later, I repeat this process all over again!

 It is turning gray right now, even as I write...











I cut this rhodie way back & only left this one blooming stalk.  As soon as it is done blooming, out come the loppers!
Lots of new growth, though

Uncurling ferns everywhere
Astilbe

Do you think it's been raining a little?




Recognize this, Rhiannon?




























Sure it's a tree, can't you tell?











Before I could even finish uploading these pictures, it looked like this:
























And now it looks like this:


 Go figure!

Friday, May 6, 2011

May 6 in the Garden

Today's sun is thin and occasionally, a spatter of drops fall.  We are so used to gray skies and never-ending rain that it is almost unnoticeable!
Some of you may be wondering why I am not at work:  I picked up a bug in Portland last weekend, didn't feel great Monday or Tuesday, came home early from work on Wednesday, stayed in bed Thursday (except when I was blogging...), and today am taking a planned personal leave/comp time day.  Good thing I planned ahead, since I have NO voice!
Anyway, I walked around and here's a tour of my garden for you:




My favorite rhody escaped killing frosts this year!



High Hopes

Tiny Japanese maple in its third year.


2480 Melrose Loop ~ Yes, Rosie?


Every year my Japanese maple gets taller.

My assistant gardeners...











Betty Boop


Bedraggled winter pots need some serious help!

The neighbors' rhodies hang over the fence and my clematis climb all over.


Jude the Obscure


Lavender Lassie & clematis

Ice Follies daffodils



These plum-colored violets just showed up last year.










I started this weigela from a stick.  Good thing I keep it pruned, no telling how big it would get.  (Rosie thinks I'm talking about her...)




For crying out loud, Rosie!  Get out of the way!